Ignou to offer AI, climate change programmes this July

times news networkPanaji: As the new admission season begins, adapting to changing academic requirements, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (Ignou)’s Goa regional centre will be introducing a number of new programmes, including a MSc in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and a post-graduate diploma in climate change.Goa regional centre director G Shrinivas said that Ignou, the only open university established by passing of an Act in Parliament, has its programmes recognised across India and internationally. It has two admission sessions during a year, one in Jan and the other in July. Admissions for the July session have been opened by Ignou.Ignou programmes also offer students flexibility and are therefore preferred as they allow students to pursue higher education while joining the workforce, he said.Across Goa, 5,000 to 6,000 new students register for Ignou programmes a year during the two admission sessions.“The admissions will be open till July 15. The university enables learners to study at their own pace and convenience. For this session, we are introducing several new and career-oriented programmes such as MBA in agribusiness management, BSc in fabric and apparel design, MA in human values and ethics, certificate in criminal justice and social work, MSc in climate change, and a PG diploma in environmental science,” said Shrinivas.He said Ignou has study centres which will offer weekend counselling for academic programmes and admission assistance. It will take submission of assignments, and students will also be able to do their practicals there. Ignou has study centres at Dhempe College at Miramar, GVM College of Education in Ponda, Shree Damodar College in Margao, Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye College in Pernem, Fr Agnel College in Pilarm and a centre for home science-related programmes at the Govt Home Science College at Campal, besides a new centre at Quepem. There is also a study centre at Colvale Jail for inmates.“The university offers printed and digital study material, online academic support, multimedia support, and a nationwide network of learner support centres. Students have to go to the Ignou Samarth Admission Portal for admissions,” said Shrinivas.Learners get additional time as against regular universities to complete their course. He said that Ignou, besides graduate and postgraduate programmes, also offers certificate, diploma, and postgraduate diploma programmes which help students upgrade their skills while still pursuing their full-time programme.